Portland, Oregon ~ Fluoride Debate

Used with permission from Microsoft

For the fourth time in Portland, Oregon's history, the issue of water fluoridation was brought to the ballot box in May 2013. After the city council attempted to pass legislation which would fluoridate the city's tap water, residents in Portland demanded a vote.

One of the main sources of fluoride additive is a toxic by-product of fertilizer. The implications of ingesting such by-products far exceed what unknown "benefit" one receives for their teeth. Fluoride is intended for topical application not ingestion.

A recent report published by the World Health Organization states that there is little distinguishable difference in tooth decay rates between regions that fluoridate their water and regions that do not.

A recent study conducted by a team of Harvard scientists concluded that fluoride damages brain development.

The money earned by fluoride suppliers directly translates to the amount of money spent lobbying to fluoridate drinking water. The proponents of this measure raised three times the amount of campaign funds versus their opponents. Despite this, the people spoke, loud and clear. The fluoride measure was turned down by an overwhelming 60%.

According to a spokesperson from "Healthy Kids, Healthy Portland", this battle is not over. They plan to continue attempts to unnecessarily fluoridate our drinking water.